Signification
To feel rushed or to need to do something quickly.
Contexte culturel
In Spain, 'tener prisa' is often contrasted with the 'sobremesa' (the long conversation after a meal). If you have 'prisa' during a sobremesa, it's polite to apologize profusely for breaking the social flow. While 'tener prisa' is understood, you will hear 'andar apurado' or 'estar apurado' much more frequently in daily Mexican Spanish. Argentines often use the expression 'estar a las corridas' to describe a day full of 'prisa'. It literally means 'to be at the runs'. In Colombia, especially in Medellín, people might use 'tener afán'. 'Afán' is a very common synonym for 'prisa' in this region.
The 'Mucha' Rule
Always remember: Mucha prisa, never Muy prisa. If you get this right, you'll sound 10x more native.
Don't use 'Ser'
Never say 'Soy prisa'. It sounds like your name is 'Hurry'.
Signification
To feel rushed or to need to do something quickly.
The 'Mucha' Rule
Always remember: Mucha prisa, never Muy prisa. If you get this right, you'll sound 10x more native.
Don't use 'Ser'
Never say 'Soy prisa'. It sounds like your name is 'Hurry'.
The 'Por' Connection
Use 'por' to explain the reason: 'Tengo prisa por el tráfico'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'tener' and the modifier 'mucha' or 'muy'.
Yo no puedo hablar ahora porque (yo) ______ ______ prisa.
We use 'tengo' for 'yo' and 'mucha' because 'prisa' is a noun.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I'm in a hurry to leave'?
Choose the best option:
The pattern 'tener prisa por + infinitive' is the standard way to express this.
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate phrase.
Juan: ¿Quieres ir al cine? María: Lo siento, Juan. ______ porque tengo un examen en 10 minutos.
María is explaining why she can't go; she is in a state of hurry.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at a restaurant and your bus leaves in 15 minutes. What do you say to the waiter?
'Tengo prisa' is the polite way to inform the waiter of your situation. '¡Date prisa!' is too rude.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Tener vs Estar
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesYo no puedo hablar ahora porque (yo) ______ ______ prisa.
We use 'tengo' for 'yo' and 'mucha' because 'prisa' is a noun.
Choose the best option:
The pattern 'tener prisa por + infinitive' is the standard way to express this.
Juan: ¿Quieres ir al cine? María: Lo siento, Juan. ______ porque tengo un examen en 10 minutos.
María is explaining why she can't go; she is in a state of hurry.
You are at a restaurant and your bus leaves in 15 minutes. What do you say to the waiter?
'Tengo prisa' is the polite way to inform the waiter of your situation. '¡Date prisa!' is too rude.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, it's common in some regions, but 'Tengo prisa' is more universal.
'Prisa' is more common for daily life; 'urgencia' sounds more serious or medical.
Use 'Tengo muchísima prisa' or 'Tengo una prisa loca'.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Because 'prisa' is a feminine noun (la prisa).
No, only for people. For a car, say 'el coche va rápido'.
It means a task is urgent. 'Este trabajo corre prisa'.
Use '¡Date prisa!' or '¡Apúrate!'.
It's 'prisa'. It has nothing to do with pizza!
Yes, but 'Tengo prisa por' is more common in most countries.
Expressions liées
darse prisa
similarTo hurry up (the action)
correr prisa
specialized formTo be urgent (for things)
estar apurado
synonymTo be in a rush
sin prisa pero sin pausa
builds onSlowly but surely
a toda prisa
similarAt full speed
